Manasvi Mamgai's Hollywood production Captivated starring Al Pacino commences with blessings of Pope Leo XIV

In a rare and historic meeting at Vatican City, Hollywood legend Al Pacino and producer Manasvi Mamgai were officially received by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, marking a spiritual and symbolic beginning for the upcoming film Captivated. The project, backed by 32RED Entertainment, has commenced filming in Rome.

This meeting holds several firsts — Al Pacino, known globally for The Godfather and other iconic roles, became the first film star to be formally received by the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV. It also marked the first time Pacino met with a Pope. For Manasvi Mamgai, co-founder of 32RED Entertainment, the moment was equally significant as one of the few Indian-origin producers to receive such an audience.

Mamgai reflected on the moment, saying, “Meeting His Holiness, the Pope, was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As an Indian-origin producer, standing alongside Al Pacino in such an extraordinary moment felt surreal and deeply meaningful. No better way to start a movie than to receive blessings from His Holiness himself.”

Directed by Dito Montiel (Riff Raff), Captivated is a high-stakes thriller inspired by true events. The film centers on Saro, a Calabrian mafia boss who kidnaps the grandson of billionaire Jean Paul Getty. As the situation intensifies, Saro forms an unexpected emotional bond with the boy’s mother, Abigail Harris — a connection that puts his entire empire at risk.

Captivated is produced by 32RED Entertainment, a Los Angeles and Mumbai-based studio founded in 2021 by Manasvi Mamgai and Michael Mammoliti. The company focuses on bold, globally resonant storytelling, and Captivated marks one of its most ambitious productions to date. Filming is underway and the release is slated for 2025.

With a powerful narrative, a legendary lead, and the Pope’s blessing, Captivated promises a compelling cinematic journey grounded in both emotion and suspense.

Also Read: Manasvi Mamgai on her production Captivated being presented at Marché du Film in Cannes, “Bringing the film to life has been a deeply personal and passionate journey”

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Mannara Chopra’s father, Raman Rai Handa, passes away in Mumbai: “He was the pillar of strength for our family”

Actress Mannara Chopra’s father, Raman Rai Handa, passed away on Monday, June 16, at the age of 72. Handa, who was also the paternal uncle of Bollywood actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Parineeti Chopra, had reportedly been unwell in recent days. He was in Mumbai with his family at the time of his passing.

The Chopra family released an official statement expressing their grief. It read, “With profound grief and sorrow we inform the sad demise of our loving father who left us for his heavenly abode on 16/06/2025.” The statement further added, “He was the pillar of strength for our family.”

Mannara, a former Bigg Boss contestant and actress, mourned her father’s demise through an Instagram Story, echoing the sentiments of loss and respect shared by her family.

Raman Rai Handa was a lawyer at the Delhi High Court. He is survived by his wife Kamini Chopra and daughters Mannara and Mitali Chopra. Kamini is the paternal aunt of Priyanka and Parineeti Chopra.

Further details about the cause of death have not been disclosed by the family at this time.

Also Read: Bollywood Hungama Style Icons Summit and Awards 2025: Mannara Chopra reveals Laughter Chefs skyrocketed her Instagram reach to 100 million, calls for modernized serials; says, “Dramatic boyfriends don’t exist in real life anymore. So how can we consume dramatic content?”

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SS Rajamouli builds grand Varanasi set in Hyderabad for SSMB29; Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas to resume shoot in Kenya: Reports

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli is currently busy with his upcoming project SSMB29, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film is shaping up to be a visually ambitious cinematic experience. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the team has completed two major filming schedules and is now working on a critical segment set in Varanasi. Instead of shooting on location, Rajamouli has opted to recreate the holy city at Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City. The reason: the logistical challenges of filming in Varanasi, one of India’s most densely populated and spiritually active cities.

The massive set is estimated to have cost nearly Rs 50 crores. Significant portions of the film, including action scenes featuring Mahesh Babu, will be shot here. Rajamouli's hallmark use of green screen technology and VFX will once again be central to his vision. Some of the most reputed Hollywood VFX studios have been brought on board to deliver world-class visuals, with a large part of the film's budget reportedly allocated to the graphics department.

In addition to Hyderabad, schedules in Odisha have also been completed. As per a report by Filmfare, the production is now gearing up for its first international schedule in Kenya, which was initially planned for March but had to be pushed. The Kenya schedule, slated for July, will feature Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas in sequences set against dense wilderness and a natural backdrop.

The film is also notable for marking Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ return to Indian cinema after a six-year hiatus. She was last seen in The Sky Is Pink (2019), and her comeback in a Rajamouli film is already generating strong interest among fans and industry insiders alike.

Also Read: SS Rajamouli to grace Kuberaa pre-release event as chief guest in Hyderabad

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Kriti Sanon’s sister Nupur Sanon faces backlash as her fashion brand NOBO gets slammed for overpriced apparel

Nupur Sanon, actress and sister of Bollywood star Kriti Sanon, is currently facing heat on social media after her fashion brand NOBO (short for No Boundaries) came under fire for what many users have called "overpriced fast fashion." While the brand aims to position itself as a premium label offering Indo-western pieces for the modern Indian woman, online users don’t seem convinced by the price tags attached to its collection.

A quick glance at the NOBO website shows that the least expensive item listed is a pair of casual shorts priced at Rs. 2,400, while the most expensive product—a traditional kurta set—costs a steep Rs. 26,500. Western wear items include a skirt and crop top combo retailing at Rs. 20,000. Even the simplest dresses start at around Rs. 7,000.

Social media users, particularly on Reddit, have not held back in criticizing the brand for what they see as unjustified pricing, especially for garments they believe resemble low-cost fashion available in local street markets like Sarojini Nagar. One user sarcastically wrote, “I think her brand name is incomplete cause she clearly forgot to write Label NoboDY IS BUYING THIS OVERPRICED FAST FASHION SHIT FROM ME.” Another commented, “Label NoBo – No One Buy One.” The ridiculous price points of Nupur Sanons ( Kritis sister) clothing line called Label Nobo. Doesn't explain why such basic cloths are sold and such high price points.Is it money laundering of some sort ( scamming buyers)? byu/Affectionate_Post592 inBollyBlindsNGossip

Others pointed out the gap between price and quality, with one comment reading, “Yes the quality is very bad. At best the price should be around 1k—even that is too much for such poor designs.” Another quipped, “No Bo is short for ‘Nobody Bought it.’”

The criticism appears to stem not just from the cost, but from what some users feel is a growing disconnect between celebrity-led brands and the everyday consumer. A few users also noted the irony in launching a brand called "No Boundaries" while offering products many feel are out of reach for most.

As of now, neither Nupur Sanon nor Kriti Sanon has addressed the backlash publicly. Whether the brand will revise its pricing or respond to the criticism remains to be seen, but it has certainly sparked a larger conversation around accessibility and authenticity in celebrity fashion ventures.

Also Read: Photos: Boman Irani, Nupur Sanon, Sanjay Mishra and others snapped at the airport

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Madhu Mantena’s banner Mad Man working on a high-octane action franchise

A lot is cooking at maverick producer Madhu Mantena’s newly launched production company Mad Man.

One hears he is in negotiation with some of the most brilliant young directors in the film industry today. “I am not in the position to reveal names right now. But yes, Mad Man my production house, is on the move. We will be making some announcements soon. All I can say now is, expect only the unexpected from us. Mad Man is not interested in doing anything that other production houses have already done,” said Mantena.

One of the ideas that Mantena’s Mad Man is working on is an indigenous action franchise with either a superstar or a young debutant in the lead.

The name of Mantena’s new production house Mad Man not only conveys the mood of unpredictability and adventure, which would be the hallmark of Madhu’s future film productions, but is also derived from the first three letters of Madhu Mantena’s first name and surname.

Also Read: Ravie Dubey and Sargun Mehta get nostalgic watching Rishabh and Bhagyashree in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain – Naya Season

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Raveena Tandon flies Air India days after Ahmedabad crash, shares emotional tribute: “A wound that will never heal”

On June 16, actress Raveena Tandon took to social media to reflect on the recent Air India tragedy that claimed over 240 lives. Sharing a series of poignant images from inside an aircraft, the actress expressed sorrow, solidarity, and a quiet strength in the face of national grief.

In her caption, Tandon wrote, “New Beginnings… to rise and fly again against all odds… to pick up and start all over, new resolve towards greater strength.” She continued with a moving description of the flight’s atmosphere: “The atmosphere solemn and the crew’s welcoming smiles, tinted with sadness. The silent passengers and crew bonding with unspoken condolences and subtle confidence.”

She ended her note by offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, stating, “A wound that will never heal. Godspeed always @airindia. Fearless and a will to overcome and be strong again.”

 

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The emotional post comes just days after the fatal crash of Air India Flight AI171, which occurred on June 12 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The aircraft, bound for London, lost altitude and crashed into a densely populated residential area of Meghani Nagar. The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 people on board, including Indian, British, Portuguese, and Canadian nationals. Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities are continuing to investigate the causes behind the tragedy.

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan mourns Air India Crash victims; calls for transparent investigation

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Jonita Gandhi recalls receiving d*ck pic with her own photo in the background: “They just want attention. People are jobless”

Singer Jonita Gandhi recently opened up about her experiences with online harassment and inappropriate behaviour from fans at public events. In a candid conversation with Hauterrfly, the singer spoke about the darker side of fame and how she deals with unsolicited online and offline attention.

“It’s disgusting, but I report it” During the interview, Jonita shared a particularly disturbing incident involving social media misuse. Recalling an incident of digital harassment, she said, “On Instagram, you can check your mentions, right? So I was checking my mentions, and I had been added to someone's 'Close Friends' list. I was seeing their Instagram story, and it's a d*ck pic... It's a watermark of their thing with my photo in the background. It's disgusting.”*

The ‘What Jhumka’ singer added that while she usually ignores such things, it’s still a form of harassment. “I also report these things. I think they just want attention. People are jobless. I've blocked so many people because of these things,” she said, expressing concern over the impact it may have on her family. “People also tag you in such photos. I don't really care, but if my mom checks my profile and sees those things... I want to protect her from those.” “Some people just want a female performer on stage” Apart from her online experiences, Jonita also reflected on awkward and sometimes alarming interactions with over-enthusiastic fans at live shows. She stressed the importance of performing for audiences who value her artistry and not merely her presence as a female performer.

“There are people who just get on the stage and say that they want to join me in singing. Of course, that's annoying. It is really annoying. And I hit them back with a sarcastic response, but they are too drunk to understand,” she revealed.

 

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Talking about unwanted physical proximity, she added, “There are also some who come and try to dance with you. But I’ll be like, 'Back off. Know your place.'”

Speaking of the professional front, the 35-year-old artist is currently busy promoting her latest track, ‘Beparwai.’

 

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Also Read: Siddhant Chaturvedi debuts as singer with Ananya Panday, Jonita Gandhi in American Tourister’s new campaign

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